Kimi Antonelli Shines at Interlagos, Demonstrating Potential as Future Star
Interlagos, Brazil — Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Italian driver, showcased impressive form this past weekend, finishing as the top-performing Mercedes driver during the Sprint event at Interlagos. His consistency and pace solidified discussions around his future in Formula 1 as he prepares for a race seat with the team in 2025.
Antonelli’s weekend began with strong showings in practice, consistently finishing second to Lando Norris, underscoring his growth since joining the Mercedes lineup. “I think all weekend he was strong from the get-go. It’s good to see,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. He acknowledged that Antonelli’s performance benefited from lower expectations at a track unfamiliar to him, allowing him to execute a nearly flawless race strategy.
The weekend culminated in a tightly contested Sprint race where Antonelli showcased his resilience, particularly when defending against reigning champion Max Verstappen. “Being able to fend off Max on a newer and softer tire was really strong, and testament to what’s to come,” Wolff asserted.
Despite a challenging start—during which he defended aggressively and sustained minor damage in an altercation with Oscar Piastri—Antonelli rebounded effectively. Reflecting on his race, he noted, “After the collision, I was lucky to come away with minor damage. I had to push the tire to the limit under pressure from Max, but I found my rhythm.”
The performance at Interlagos comes after previous strong outings in Baku and Singapore, suggesting a trajectory of improvement as he gains experience at the F1 level. “This weekend was when we put things together, which is what I need to do for the team,” Antonelli added, signaling his readiness for the challenges ahead.
With the 2026 season on the horizon, Mercedes appears committed to nurturing Antonelli’s talent, anticipating he will become a pivotal player alongside George Russell in their quest for championship success. His progress raises expectations not only for himself but also for the team’s competitive future.
